Helicopter Crashes at Moorabbin Airport Minutes After Takeoff

A helicopter crash at Moorabbin Airport in Melbourne on April 17 has left one person injured and hospitalised, following a dramatic emergency just moments after takeoff.

The incident occurred around 2:30 pm local time when the helicopter, reportedly involved in a training flight, went down near a runway. The aircraft was carrying two individuals at the time. Emergency services, including Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), responded swiftly to the scene where the crumpled wreckage showed significant structural damage—one rotor blade was twisted, and the tail section had broken off.

Photographs captured from the site depict fire crews rushing to secure the area as fuel began leaking from the damaged helicopter. In a statement, FRV confirmed that their teams applied a firefighting foam blanket over the spilled fuel and aircraft to prevent ignition and isolated power sources to ensure safety.

Ambulance Victoria treated both the pilot and the passenger on-site for minor injuries. One individual was subsequently transported to The Alfred Hospital for further evaluation.

Victoria Police confirmed that there were no fatalities. “Emergency services were called to an airport in Moorabbin about 2.30pm on 17 April after reports of a helicopter crash. Two people were on the craft at the time and one person suffered non-life-threatening injuries,” the police stated.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) acknowledged being notified of the crash involving an R44 helicopter and said it is currently assessing the situation to determine whether a formal investigation will be launched.

Work Safe Victoria has also been informed of the incident as procedural reviews commence.